Emma Leonard

Sarah Lakos |

July 5, 2012

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Fixated on melancholy girls with flowers in their hair, Emma Leonard has fast become one of our favourite Australian illustrators. So, we asked few questions to learn more about her shy, alluring illustrations and what inspires our featured illustrator.

When did you start drawing?
I always liked to draw but had kind of put it aside until about 3 years ago when I decided to go back to school and study illustration. Now I draw just about every single day.

Where do you work?
I have converted the spare room in my house into a little studio, which is great because I can sleep in later but it also means far too much of my work is done in pyjamas…

What inspires you to draw?
Everything! At the moment I am particularly inspired by trips to the museum, vintage scientific illustrations, Picnic At Hanging Rock, and sad girls with flowers in their hair.

If you could attempt any other creative job, what would it be?
It might sound weird, but sometimes I think I would like to be a pastry chef or a baker who decorates very elaborate and beautiful cakes.

Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Working out of a bigger studio space and dividing my time between working with exciting clients, exhibiting my personal work, and collaborations with other amazing artists and designers. Not too different from now, just more of it!

Tea or coffee?
Lemonade!

Pen or Pencil?
Definitely Pencil

Emma has worked for Random House, Mitsubishi, Rebecca Taylor, Tessuti Fabrics, Elle Quebec, Madison Magazine and Melbourne Fashion Institute. Find out more and see the rest of her work at her website.